Swedish minister forced to take
Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT

Swedish minister forced to take refuge during Russian attacks on visit to Ukraine

Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson (L) was forced to take refuge in shelters several times during her visit to Ukraine. "I was not afraid, but I feel guilty about going home," she told TT.

Massive drone attacks on Ukrainian cities have been going on practically non-stop since Wednesday. At the same time, Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson (L) has been in Kyiv to visit organizations Sweden collaborates with, among other things.

It is important that we show our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people on the ground, and I was there to learn more about how they work on issues such as gender-based disinformation and the various influence campaigns that Russia is conducting.

We also collaborate with organizations that provide care and support to victims of sexual violence that Russian forces have systematically committed in the occupied areas. It is very valuable to see that all the support we provide to Ukraine is making a real difference, says Nina Larsson.

On two occasions, one of which was in the middle of the night, the Swedish delegation was forced to take refuge in a bomb shelter. During the journey to Lviv, the air raid siren sounded.

Were you scared?

"No, we had good arrangements around us, but it's clear that it affects you, especially afterwards. You feel both guilt about going home and anger towards Russia and the terrible tyranny they continue to perpetrate against Ukraine," says Nina Larsson.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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